Automobile deaths are 99% accidental. They are a method of transport - can be a dangerous one.Gun deaths are almost always intentional (although accidents happen with those, too). They are killing machines, serve no other purpose whatsoever.

They terrorize Congress into impotence. They did it after Aurora. They did it after Sandy Hook. Orlando. Vegas. Seventeen more, mostly children, now lie dead - and their blood is on the hands of vested interests who refuse to countenance any level of gun ... moreThey terrorize Congress into impotence. They did it after Aurora. They did it after Sandy Hook. Orlando. Vegas. Seventeen more, mostly children, now lie dead - and their blood is on the hands of vested interests who refuse to countenance any level of gun reform, like the NRA.

Hezbollah provides humanitarian aid in Gaza, Hamas on the West Bank. Both are terrorist organizations, like the NRA. A greater percentage of the population of the Occupied Territories belong to these groups than the percentage of Americans who join the NRA.

What you propose is anarchy. In the UK, Germany, Australia, Japan etc a state of civil order prevails witnout the need for armed citizenry. Your "oppressive government" is a straw man, the bogeyman used by the NRA as a smokescreen. Look beyond your border... moreWhat you propose is anarchy. In the UK, Germany, Australia, Japan etc a state of civil order prevails witnout the need for armed citizenry. Your "oppressive government" is a straw man, the bogeyman used by the NRA as a smokescreen. Look beyond your borders - nobody else seems to have this obsessive fetish with military-style assault weapons in the hands of untrained civilians. Stop the rot before more children die.

Switzerland also has conscription - not, repeat NOT masses of untrained civilians carrying assault weapons. The armed citizenry are all military reserves - they keep their weapons safely out if harm's way and know when not to use them.Familicides come und... moreSwitzerland also has conscription - not, repeat NOT masses of untrained civilians carrying assault weapons. The armed citizenry are all military reserves - they keep their weapons safely out if harm's way and know when not to use them.Familicides come under a different category and no other gun incident in Australia since 1996 resulted in more than 3 deaths, which isn't a "mass" shooting. Gun murders there have been, certainly - mostly criminals carrying out single execeution-style hits on other criminals, so who cares?Arson happens. Stabbings happen. No more often per thousand population than elsewhere. The figure that stands out starkly in the US is mass gun murders. How many more children have to die? less

The underlying problem is too many guns. That makes it easy for wack jobs to get them. The US has the highest per capita rate of civilian gun ownership in the world, and the highest number of mass gun killings. Those figures canNOT be coincidal!

Never try to argue with a gung-ho, trigger-happy American about gun control, D. They love their guns more than they love their children.In Australia, we had 10 mass shootings in the ten years leading up to Port Arthur. Thst one was particularly horrific (... moreNever try to argue with a gung-ho, trigger-happy American about gun control, D. They love their guns more than they love their children.In Australia, we had 10 mass shootings in the ten years leading up to Port Arthur. Thst one was particularly horrific (record number of deaths until the Orlando nightclub massacre surpassed it), so gun controls were tightened. No mass shootings in 22 years since. Coincidence?

If I were Queen, this us what I would say:To the citizens of the United States of America from Her Sovereign Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II:In the light of your immediate failure to elect a competent President of the USA and thus demonstrating your inability... moreIf I were Queen, this us what I would say:To the citizens of the United States of America from Her Sovereign Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II:In the light of your immediate failure to elect a competent President of the USA and thus demonstrating your inability to govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence, effective immediately. (You can look up “revocation” in the Oxford English Dictionary).Her Sovereign Majesty will resume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths, and territories (except Utah, which she does not fancy).Your new Prime Minister, Theresa May, will appoint a Governor for America forthwith, without the need for further elections.Congress and the Senate will be disbanded. A questionnaire may be circulated sometime next year to determine whether any of you noticed.To aid in the transition to a British Crown dependency, the following rules are introduced with immediate effect:1. The letter ‘U’ will be reinstated in words such as “c... less

(Rolling on the floor crying with laughter).https://everytownresearch.org/firearm-suicide/https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/kids/the-gun-massacre-america-isnt-talking-about/news-story/2ce3d693d182cb31ca7dbab186b2564cThat last one is NewsCorp, th... more(Rolling on the floor crying with laughter).https://everytownresearch.org/firearm-suicide/https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/kids/the-gun-massacre-america-isnt-talking-about/news-story/2ce3d693d182cb31ca7dbab186b2564cThat last one is NewsCorp, the same guys that run FOX. Trump's buddy Rupert.

Bump stocks are still legal, which effectively turns a semi into an automatic. The problem isn't the type of guns, it's just TOO MANY GUNS and far too easy to get them.We tightened gun laws in Australia in 1996. No mass shootings since. Coincidence?

Actually the soil degradation was mostly due to the removal of salt-tolerant trees to clear land for farming or mining. The killing off of the deep root systems caused the water table to rise, bringing salt with it.

No, but combining medication with meditation works a lot better for my better half than medication alone. Her meltdowns are less severe and less frequent since she started meditating for a half hour every night. She's not bipolar, but postnatal psychosis ... moreNo, but combining medication with meditation works a lot better for my better half than medication alone. Her meltdowns are less severe and less frequent since she started meditating for a half hour every night. She's not bipolar, but postnatal psychosis has many of the same symptoms.

Adelaide went bananas when the MIGHTY Crows brought the AFL flag... moreAdelaide went bananas when the MIGHTY Crows brought the AFL flag home for the first time 21 years ago. This is the Eagles' first Super Bowl, are their fans losing their minds too?

It's blacked. Did somebody hit her, or did it happen when she wa... moreIt's blacked. Did somebody hit her, or did it happen when she was banging her head against the computer in frustration at yet another AM glitch?

I'm on the front porch watching one roll in from the west. The r... moreI'm on the front porch watching one roll in from the west. The roiling clouds, arcing lighting, the crash of thunder - magnificent!

Vague oratory, "an army of pompous phrases moving over the lands... moreVague oratory, "an army of pompous phrases moving over the landscape in search of an idea" (McAdoo). Long on platitudes, short on policy.CHECK.Appointing best friends rather than best qualified to cabinet positions.CHECK. An administration mired in scandal due to the (perceived or actual) incompetence, ineptitude and corruption of said appointees.CHECK.Offending the peak international body (League of Nations/UN).CHECK.A debauched past (although unlike Harding, Kennedy and Clinton, Trump seems to have got that out of his system before being elected).CHECK and MATE.Harding is universally ranked among the worst US Presidents in history.Thoughts? less

Yes, she asks a lot of questions. Some are tedious and/or repeti... moreYes, she asks a lot of questions. Some are tedious and/or repetitive. Others thought-provoking or just plain fun. JA hasn't imposed a daily question limit. At least she's not posting unanswerable twaddle about trash bags, or filling up notification boxes with pointless, non-committal answers.

A friend of mine keeps on trying to get me to join the Freemason... moreA friend of mine keeps on trying to get me to join the Freemasons. My wife says I must have been in the Ku Klux Klan - because I'm a wizard under a sheet.

Jump out of a plane? Visit New Zealand? Kiss the Pope's ring? Bu... moreJump out of a plane? Visit New Zealand? Kiss the Pope's ring? Buy a Porsche? Swim to Tahiti? What do you wanna do that you haven't done yet?

It's 97.4% of climate scientists according to the last survey. T... moreIt's 97.4% of climate scientists according to the last survey. Those who specialize in other fields don't count, they haven't sufficient knowledge to warrant having an opinion on the subject.

Automobile deaths are 99% accidental. They are a method of trans... moreAutomobile deaths are 99% accidental. They are a method of transport - can be a dangerous one.Gun deaths are almost always intentional (although accidents happen with those, too). They are killing machines, serve no other purpose whatsoever.

The top leading murder weapon in the U.S.:GunsThe top leading me... moreThe top leading murder weapon in the U.S.:GunsThe top leading method of suicide in the U.S.:Self-inflicted gunshot wound.No further questions for this witness, Your Honour.

They terrorize Congress into impotence. They did it after Aurora... moreThey terrorize Congress into impotence. They did it after Aurora. They did it after Sandy Hook. Orlando. Vegas. Seventeen more, mostly children, now lie dead - and their blood is on the hands of vested interests who refuse to countenance any level of gun reform, like the NRA.

Hezbollah provides humanitarian aid in Gaza, Hamas on the West B... moreHezbollah provides humanitarian aid in Gaza, Hamas on the West Bank. Both are terrorist organizations, like the NRA. A greater percentage of the population of the Occupied Territories belong to these groups than the percentage of Americans who join the NRA.

This post was edited by Slartibartfast at February 19, 2018 5:32 AM MST

What you propose is anarchy. In the UK, Germany, Australia, Japa... moreWhat you propose is anarchy. In the UK, Germany, Australia, Japan etc a state of civil order prevails witnout the need for armed citizenry. Your "oppressive government" is a straw man, the bogeyman used by the NRA as a smokescreen. Look beyond your borders - nobody else seems to have this obsessive fetish with military-style assault weapons in the hands of untrained civilians. Stop the rot before more children die.

Switzerland also has conscription - not, repeat NOT masses of un... moreSwitzerland also has conscription - not, repeat NOT masses of untrained civilians carrying assault weapons. The armed citizenry are all military reserves - they keep their weapons safely out if harm's way and know when not to use them.Familicides come under a different category and no other gun incident in Australia since 1996 resulted in more than 3 deaths, which isn't a "mass" shooting. Gun murders there have been, certainly - mostly criminals carrying out single execeution-style hits on other criminals, so who cares?Arson happens. Stabbings happen. No more often per thousand population than elsewhere. The figure that stands out starkly in the US is mass gun murders. How many more children have to die? less

The underlying problem is too many guns. That makes it easy for ... moreThe underlying problem is too many guns. That makes it easy for wack jobs to get them. The US has the highest per capita rate of civilian gun ownership in the world, and the highest number of mass gun killings. Those figures canNOT be coincidal!

Gone to the same college she did. Not possible, I was working fu... moreGone to the same college she did. Not possible, I was working full-time and studying part-time. We paerted amicably and we're still friends. My wife is also friends with her so it's all good.

Who cares? He's self-evidently guilty of obstruction of justice,... moreWho cares? He's self-evidently guilty of obstruction of justice, receipt of emoluments, common assault and interference with Presidential records. Any of those is sufficient to impeach.

Hypercolour and stupid hair.In 1984 I got a hypercolour "Choose ... moreHypercolour and stupid hair.In 1984 I got a hypercolour "Choose Life!" T shirt to try to impress a girl I fancied. Backfired, she thought it proved I was gay :-(

Never try to argue with a gung-ho, trigger-happy American about ... moreNever try to argue with a gung-ho, trigger-happy American about gun control, D. They love their guns more than they love their children.In Australia, we had 10 mass shootings in the ten years leading up to Port Arthur. Thst one was particularly horrific (record number of deaths until the Orlando nightclub massacre surpassed it), so gun controls were tightened. No mass shootings in 22 years since. Coincidence?

If I were Queen, this us what I would say:To the citizens of the... moreIf I were Queen, this us what I would say:To the citizens of the United States of America from Her Sovereign Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II:In the light of your immediate failure to elect a competent President of the USA and thus demonstrating your inability to govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence, effective immediately. (You can look up “revocation” in the Oxford English Dictionary).Her Sovereign Majesty will resume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths, and territories (except Utah, which she does not fancy).Your new Prime Minister, Theresa May, will appoint a Governor for America forthwith, without the need for further elections.Congress and the Senate will be disbanded. A questionnaire may be circulated sometime next year to determine whether any of you noticed.To aid in the transition to a British Crown dependency, the following rules are introduced with immediate effect:1. The letter ‘U’ will be reinstated in words such as “c... less

This post was edited by Slartibartfast at February 17, 2018 3:03 AM MST

Eighteenth school shooting in the US this year, and it's only Fe... moreEighteenth school shooting in the US this year, and it's only February.I propose that America names all its schools "uterus", so Republicans will care about children dying in them.

Correct - Early Nissans/Datsuns were Austins from a mechanical p... moreCorrect - Early Nissans/Datsuns were Austins from a mechanical point of view. A Subaru engine is a Volkswagen with a liquid cooled radiator. Not sure about the others.

Not quite true, it used to be but South Korea makes better cars ... moreNot quite true, it used to be but South Korea makes better cars than the US does now. We used to laugh at the Korean rust buckets. No longer.

(Rolling on the floor crying with laughter).https://everytownres... more(Rolling on the floor crying with laughter).https://everytownresearch.org/firearm-suicide/https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/kids/the-gun-massacre-america-isnt-talking-about/news-story/2ce3d693d182cb31ca7dbab186b2564cThat last one is NewsCorp, the same guys that run FOX. Trump's buddy Rupert.

It causes the gun (including the trigger) to bounce back and for... moreIt causes the gun (including the trigger) to bounce back and forth against the finger, with no further voluntary movement on the part of the operator. The difference is semantic.

Bump stocks are still legal, which effectively turns a semi into... moreBump stocks are still legal, which effectively turns a semi into an automatic. The problem isn't the type of guns, it's just TOO MANY GUNS and far too easy to get them.We tightened gun laws in Australia in 1996. No mass shootings since. Coincidence?

Actually the soil degradation was mostly due to the removal of s... moreActually the soil degradation was mostly due to the removal of salt-tolerant trees to clear land for farming or mining. The killing off of the deep root systems caused the water table to rise, bringing salt with it.

No, but combining medication with meditation works a lot better ... moreNo, but combining medication with meditation works a lot better for my better half than medication alone. Her meltdowns are less severe and less frequent since she started meditating for a half hour every night. She's not bipolar, but postnatal psychosis has many of the same symptoms.

I'd like to do a Steven Bradbury. Be way behind in a speed skati... moreI'd like to do a Steven Bradbury. Be way behind in a speed skating final, then watch everybody else crash at the final turn so I can coast to victory.A big nope to ski jumping. That's an expensive way to commit suicide.

I've shot rabbits, cats, foxes and Indian mynahs. All perfectly ... moreI've shot rabbits, cats, foxes and Indian mynahs. All perfectly legally and I'm not after trophies - I'm an environmentalist and all of those are feral pests in Australia. Australian wildlife is under threat from these menaces - habitat destruction by rabbits, preyed upon by cats and foxes, and our birds have to compete with the imports as well. The Tasmanian Devil is critically endangered. The spotted quoll is critically endangered. The greater bilby is critically endangered, the lesser bilby believed to be extinct. Cats are the main culprit - and irresponsible pet-owning humans are at fault.If you're going to keep a rabbit, cat, dog or mynah as a pet, confine it and spay it. Don't let it roam and DON'T dump unwanted kittens in the bush. less